Premier League - Ferguson: Glazers have been great for United

Sir Alex Ferguson has once again restated his backing for the Glazer family ownership of Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed the Glazer family ownership of Manchester United

The Scot has been heavily criticised in recent years for not speaking out against the controversial American family, whose leveraged takeover of the club has cost an estimated £680million in associated costs.

Yet even now he has retired - with no intention of returning - Ferguson is still speaking positively on the family's behalf.

"There is a misconception about the Glazers buying the club," he said.

"It created hostility and different factions but you forget, the minute it became a PLC someone was going to buy it.

"The Glazers did buy it. And in my time with them - they were nothing but supportive - very strong, single-minded people but always supportive of the manager and the things that happen in the club.

"I've absolutely no hesitation in supporting the way they're going about the job - very low key."

Ferguson was speaking exclusively to US TV network PBS.

In a wide-ranging interview, the Scot confirmed his belief David Moyes was the right man to replace him.

And clearly there will be no going back on that decision.

"I'm not interested in managing again or getting myself worked up about Manchester United's results," said the 71-year-old.

"You would be throwing your money down the drain if you put any money on me coming back as a manager.

"United are in good hands with David Moyes. He will be fine. He's a good manager.

"I made my decision. The timing was perfect. There is no way back for me now. I've got a new life.

"I want to go to the Kentucky Derby and the US Masters, the Melbourne Cup. I want to visit vineyards in Tuscany and France."

Besides, with United having given Moyes a six-year contract on Ferguson's recommendation, he is hardly likely to sanction a change so quickly after he spent 26 years in the job.

"I believe in building a football club rather than building a football team," he said.

"I can understand coaches who concentrate on building a football team because it gives them a job.

"It's a results industry.

"You only have to look at Paolo Di Canio last week, five to six games into his first season at Sunderland, they allow him to spend £19 million and then sack him.

"To me, there is no evidence that that is going to bring success."

Ferguson also revealed he was asked to manage Chelsea by Roman Abramovich not long after the Russian had taken over at Stamford Bridge and praised Wayne Rooney for his return to form, although he did not retract his previous claim the striker had asked for a move in the summer.

"He has people who advise him and that's where all that's coming from," said Ferguson.

"At that particular moment he wasn't doing particularly well.

"But now we see him today, he's got his energy back. And he's doing great."

Ferguson also spoke positively about David Beckham, even though he would have preferred the former England skipper to have avoided the celebrity culture he became so synonymous with.

"His focus changed," said Ferguson.

"He got drawn into that celebrity status.

"I don't think he could listen. He just said "I'm in love". There is nothing you can do with that. And therefore he lost the focus.

"But how can you argue with life? He's an icon for young people; represents himself the proper way. And, I say, well done."